The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the music industry evidence from Kazakhstan

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an overwhelmingly negative effect on the music industry in Kazakhstan. Music events had to close or cancel their performances, rendered unable to operate as usual. This sector has been struggling to cope with the pandemic because of the lack of the government support, digital skills, and difficulties in accessing software to record concerts or perform online. Given the need in the literature for surveys of music industry representatives on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in different geographic areas, this study utilised the survey approach. During the period of February-June 2021, we approached 102 representatives of the music industry across Kazakhstan. We have collected data on what impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the music industry in Kazakhstan. The results of the survey demonstrate that the music industry stakeholders have lost a significant amount of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our study has several policy implications that could be considered when developing the recovery strategy for the music industry in Kazakhstan. The policy makers need to consider the development of financial schemes to support artists in the time of the pandemic. It would be helpful to create grants to support the creative artists who are particularly struggling from the negative consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our results have demonstrated that it would be necessary to unite academics and musicians in associations that could advise them on the possibilities of obtaining grants and special support from state and independent foundations.